Russia Evacuates Citizens, Suspends Tehran Consulate Amid Israel-Iran Strikes

Russia has evacuated several of its citizens from Iran and temporarily suspended consular services at its Tehran embassy amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. This move includes the evacuation of members of the Tchaikovsky Grand Symphony Orchestra and a film crew led by Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk, who both crossed into Azerbaijan for safety. Russia’s civil aviation authority has also ordered airlines to suspend flights to and avoid the airspaces of Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Iraq until at least June 26. The escalation follows Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which Israel claims aim to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli territory, intensifying regional tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Israel's strikes and warned of a dangerous escalation in the Middle East, reflecting Moscow’s concern for the safety of its citizens and the broader security environment.